Railroad Park opens to public

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

By Emily Luxen

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham's newest park is now open for business. City officials, supporters, and Miles College's band participated in the official dedication of Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham.

The $25-million park park stretches four blocks between First Avenue South and Morris Avenue. It spans 19 acres and features walking paths, an amphitheater, ponds, a skateboarding area, and playgrounds for kids.

Officials said this is a project that has been in the works for 20 years and it is great to finally see it finished.

"This will be a great addition to the city of Birmingham," said president emeritus of the Railroad Park Board, Giles Perkins. "It is a beautiful, and safe place for families."

Perkins said the park is monitored by a security system with interactive cameras working with park rangers. The park also features eight stations where you can call security in case of an emergency.

Birmingham residents said they think the park is beautiful and a nice addition to the city. "It is awesome," said Daniel Powell. "I've been watching it for a couple of months. It will be great to see it finally used."

"I'll bring my son out here," said Johnqueta Bailey, "He loves the rock climbing, and it will be great to come out as a family and see the park and enjoy it."

Saturday, Sept. 18 there will be special activities all day at Railroad Park. At 7:30pm, there will be a screening of the Disney movie "Up."

Rain and thunder will track into northwest Alabama during the early morning hours Thursday with most of the rain breaking up through the day. We'll see partly sunny skies with rain chances around 20-percent throughout much of Thursday. Highs again will reach the lower 80s.

Rain and thunder will track into northwest Alabama during the early morning hours Thursday with most of the rain breaking up through the day. We'll see partly sunny skies with rain chances around 20-percent throughout much of Thursday. Highs again will reach the lower 80s.

Fairfield mayor Ed May II and Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) have discussed negotiations for the past several months after the bus service was canceled a little more than two years ago.

Fairfield mayor Ed May II and Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) have discussed negotiations for the past several months after the bus service was canceled a little more than two years ago.